The world’s most beautiful golf courses

5. Leopard Creek Country Club

Hippos and giraffes and golf

Ever find yourself distracted by a giraffe while playing golf? Probably not, but this is not uncommon at the Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa. Because of its location at the edge of the famous Kruger National Park, it combines golf with wildlife spotting. Here you can hit a hole-in-one with hippos, leopards, giraffes and river crocodiles as your audience. Luckily, they can’t access the course!

Russ Bishop / Alamy Stock Photo

4. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Golfing on lava

The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its barren lava landscape. On the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, the smooth greens alternate with rugged black lava fields. Add to the mix the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Especially unique it the seventh hole; tee off from the highest point and work your way down through a collapsed lava tunnel.

Design Pics Inc / Alamy Stock Photo

Russ Bishop / Alamy Stock Photo

Russ Bishop / Alamy Stock Photo

3. The Els Club Teluk Datai

Teeing off in the rainforest

Green, greener, greenest! The golf course at The Els Club is located in the heart of the rainforest on Pulau Langkawi, an idyllic island off the coast of Malaysia. Whether you’re teeing off at the first or 18th hole, you’ll be enjoying views of the dark green jungle. Four of the holes are even played right next to the Andaman Sea! Not only that, but the golf course, designed by golf champion Ernie Else, has natural obstacles like trees, bushes and rivers, giving you the ultimate tropical experience.

2. Punta Mita

Hole on an island

Also designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus are two amazing golf courses on the Punta Mita peninsula in Mexico. No fewer than seven holes are located directly on the Pacific Ocean. The showstopper is a hole on an island in the ocean called Tail of the Whale. It is the only golf course in the world on a natural island. Timing is important, as you can only reach this hole at low tide over a specially made path.

scenicireland.com / Christopher Hill Photographic / Alamy Stock Photo

1. Royal County Down

Crazy views

Many golf courses offer spectacular views, but few are as stunning as those from the Royal County Down in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. This golf course is located in the heart of the dunes and offers fantastic views of Newcastle, the beach and the impressive Mourne Mountains.